Opening April 3: Chicago Filmmaker Presents VIRAL, Doc on Troubling Rise of Antisemitism (Chicago, IL.) POSTPONED!

**POSTPONED!**

Press release, March 16, 2020   In light of growing public health concerns and the recent announcement that the Siskel Film Center will be closed until (at least) April 10, the Chicago theatrical opening of VIRAL: Antisemitism in Four Mutations has been delayed. As we settle into our socially distanced working arrangements, screening links remain available for at-home streaming. Additionally, filmmaker Andrew Goldberg, a Chicago native, is available for phone interviews. If you're interested in banking a review or interview, reply to this email to request a link and make arrangements. I will be in touch in the coming week(s) with an updated release date as soon as it is determined. Thank you, and take care, Lisa Lisa M. Trifone Eleventh Street Lot www.11thstreetlot.com

presents VIRAL: Antisemitism in Four Mutations a film by Andrew Goldberg 84 minutes / documentary / USA in English, French, Hungarian Official Website  //  Press Materials Official Selection: Chicago Jewish Film Festival Screens Sunday, March 15 1p @ Logan Theater 4:45p @ Century 12 Evanston/CineArts 6 Opens in Chicago Friday, April 3 Gene Siskel Film Center // 164 N. State Street Filmmaker in attendance for post-film Q&As on April 3 and 4 **A screening link is available for review; a limited number of press tickets are available to festival screenings. Reply to RSVP or request a link.** Filmmaker Andrew Goldberg, a Chicago native, is available for interviews via phone and in person. Reply to make arrangements. ABOUT THE FILM By virtually every yardstick, antisemitism in the US and Europe is rising and worsening in ways not seen since the 1930s. It comes in the forms of vandalism, social media abuse, assault and murder. Like a virus, it mutates and evolves across cultures, borders and ideologies, making it all but impossible to stop. Filmmaker Andrew Goldberg explores its infectious behavior in his film “Viral: Antisemitism in Four Mutations” as he travels through four countries to speak firsthand with victims, witnesses, antisemites, and interviewees including Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, Fareed Zakaria, George Will and Deborah Lipstadt. The film examines how some on the American far right have incited such acts as the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA. In Hungary, we see how the Prime Minister has launched a massive campaign against Jewish Holocaust survivor and billionaire George Soros that's reminiscent of Nazi propaganda. Moving to the far left in England, we see members of the traditionally anti-racist Labour party conflating Israel and Jews with antisemitic vitriol, causing tremendous pain for the Jewish community. And in France, the film illuminates the seemingly endless wave of violence against Jews by Islamists and radicals. The increasing bigotry, and at times violence, within each of these four countries paints a terrifying portrait of how global hatred disseminates and harms. As activist Maajid Nawaz says in the film, "If we don't draw a red line in the sand when it comes to antisemitism, Muslims will be next, gays will be next and everyone else who is deemed a minority will be next." Written and Directed by Andrew Goldberg Featuring Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, Fareed Zakaria, George Will, Deborah Lipstadt, Julianna Margulies Produced by Diana Robinson Cinematographer Robert Hanna ACCLAIM FOR VIRAL "...powerful!" —Newsweek ​"...frightening...and moving...brutal, yet vital, the movie is must-see viewing." —Hammer to Nail ​"...undeniably powerful...includes some amazing, Michael Moore-like interviews...it's a film that should be seen." —Common Sense Media

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REPLAY LINCOLN PARK INVITES SHREK FANS TO THE “WELCOME TO ME SWAMP” POP-UP BEGINNING MARCH 13 (Chicago, IL.)

 

“Oh, and it is LOVELY. You know, you’re really quite a decorator. It’s amazing what you’ve done with such a modest budget. I like that boulder. That is a NICE boulder.” – Donkey

 As Smash Mouth says: “somebody once told me the world is gonna roll me!” Ogres, Fairy Tale creatures and humans alike are being dropped off in Shrek’s swamp at Replay Lincoln Park, 2833 N. Sheffield Ave., for the bar’s newest pop-up experience: Welcome To Me Swamp. Opening to the public on Friday, March 13, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day weekend, the Welcome To Me Swamp pop-up offers guests the opportunity to enter the world of Shrek, Princess Fiona, Donkey, Lord Farquaad, Puss in Boots and the entire gang and be part of a heroic quest far, far away.

The Welcome To Me Swamp Pop-Up will feature custom artwork and several fun photo opportunities with characters and objects from the popular films, including Shrek’s swamp, Fiona’s tower, the Onion Carriage, Mirror on the Wall and Shrek’s Outhouse. Featured events during the pop-up will include an In The Morning, We’re Making Waffles Breakfast Party, weekly All-Star Karaoke, Donkey Meet and Greet, Shrek and Fiona Wedding Banquet, Paint and Sip, Meme Caption Contest, trivia and more. Replay Lincoln Park will also host Swamptastic St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday, March 14 with a $25 party package available beginning at 10 a.m. that includes a breakfast buffet, bottomless green beer, mimosas, bloody Mary’s, premium cocktails and domestic beer, plus free arcade games.

Guests have a variety of options to try Replay Lincoln Park’s extensive Shrek-themed specialty cocktail menu, featuring drinks such as The Fairytale, What The Farquaad and Not My Gumdrops. Other delicious concoctions include Happily Never After, Get Out Of My Swamp, Puss In Booze and a variety of themed shots like Get Ogre It and Dragon’s Kiss. In collaboration with Empirical Brewery, Replay Lincoln Park will also offer a special green beer: Fiona’s Apple, a delicious ale created with Japanese citrus and Granny Smith apple juice.

Replay Lincoln Park’s Pop-Up Squad, a group of artists that create the concept, décor and artistic elements of Replay’s popular pop-ups, is behind the design for Welcome To Me Swamp. The team includes Jeremy Steffen, Raquel Hung, Luis Colindres, Tom Molloy, Tristan Young and Adam Michaels.

Replay Lincoln Park offers guests over 60 free vintage arcade games, including pinball, air hockey, skeeball and more. With no cover or tokens needed, Replay invites guests for great fun 5 p.m. – 2 a.m. Monday – Thursday, Friday 3 p.m. – 2 a.m., 12 p.m. – 3 a.m. Saturday, and 12 p.m. – 2 a.m. Sunday.

Macy's Flower Show: media event on March 24, show runs March 22 - April 5, 2020 (Chicago, IL.)

 

MACY’S FLOWER SHOW^® PRESENTS VOYAGE TO OCEANUM

Macy’s State Street embarks on an under-the-sea floral adventure beginning

Sunday, March 22 through Sunday, April 5

This Spring, Macy’s will take spectators on a fantastic voyage, as the dazzling blooms and stunning floral landscapes of the Macy’s Flower Show^®, transport visitors to a mystical underwater oasis. From Sunday, March 22 through Sunday, April 5, 2020, Voyage to Oceanum will enchant floral aficionados as they explore the blooming aquatic marvel and help solve a mystery hidden in the ocean’s abyss at Macy’s State Street (111 N. State Street, Chicago).

“The 2020 Macy’s Flower Show will explore the depths, beauty and mystery of the ocean through incredibly landscaped gardens showcasing a wonderland of lush flora,” said Rick Pomer, creative director, Macy’s Flower Show. “Voyage to Oceanum will awe more than one million spectators, kicking off the spring season with our annual immersive, floral spectacular. We can’t wait for visitors to go on this journey as they explore this fantasy filled underwater paradise.”

In addition to the magnificent landscaped gardens, Flower Show spectators will have the opportunity to enjoy a host of special in-store events including:

Sunday, March 22 – Family Fun Day

·     Steel drum duo, stilt-walker and juggler, sand art, DIY flower headbands - 1st floor from 12-4pm

·     Chair massages - 4th floor, Women's Department from 12-4pm

·     Face painting, shell art - 5th floor, Kid's Department from 12-4pm

·     Meet Hello Kitty - 7th floor from 12-2pm

Monday, March 23 – Flower Nail Accents by A Polished Work (1^st floor) – Get a flower-themed nail design that you can wear all week long.

Tuesday, March 24 @ 6pm – Cheese Board Workshop (Frango Café, 7^th floor) – Learn how to make a cheese spread that will make you the star of your next get-together.

Wednesday, March 25 @ 12pm – One Eleven Cooking Demo (Culinary Studio, 7^th floor) – We’ll teach you culinary tips, tricks and secrets that will make your next meal a hit.

Thursday, March 26 @ 2pm – Pasta 101 Class (Culinary Studio, 7^th floor) – Join our class and learn how to make world-class pasta.

Friday, March 27 @ 2pm – Flower Arranging Class (Culinary Studio, 7^th floor) – Bring your friends, make your own floral arrangements and sip some bubbly.  RSVP required. 

Saturday, March 28 @ 2pm – Chef Takashi’s Sushi Making Class (Culinary Studio, 7^th floor) – Learn from Macy’s Culinary Council Chef Takashi Yagihashi how to make authentic sushi. RSVP required.

Sunday, March 29 @ 1pm – Cake Class (Frango Café, 7^th floor) – Join our class and learn how to make the perfect flower-themed cake.  The best part?  We’ll have plenty of cake for you to taste.  RSVP required.

Tuesday, March 31 @ 6pm – Sweet Dani B’s Cookie Decorating Class (Culinary Studio, 7^th floor) – Enjoy a Enjoy a sweet evening – with your friends! – filled with sugar cookies for you to decorate and bubbly for you to sip.

Wednesday, April 1 @ 12pm - Cooking Demo (Culinary Studio, 7^th Floor) Need help in the kitchen?  We’ll teach you the culinary tips, tricks and secrets that will make your next recipe a hit.

For additional information about these events visit www.macys.com/flowershow/

Free to the public, Macy’s Flower Show will be open during regular store hours.

ABOUT VOYAGE TO OCEANUM

“Voyage to Oceanum” is the second chapter in a trilogy of fantasy fiction tales starring R.H. Macy IV (the great-great-grandson of Macy’s founder). This new exhibition takes place after the events of last spring’s galactic “Journey to Paradisios.”  In this new adventure R.H. Macy IV finds a hidden treasure map that may hold the key to the whereabouts of a long lost family heirloom. With the help of expert sailor Kate Capsian, he sets off to find the hidden treasure only to be plunged into a deep sea adventure after an attack from a mythical sea monster, the dreaded Kraken.

Soon after the attack R.H. and Kate find out that the Kraken isn’t the only mystifying creature they will encounter as they scour the abyss for the lost treasure. From mermaids to sharks and other creatures of the deep, this voyage will reveal a secret floral filled land called Oceanum.  

ABOUT FLOWER SHOW

For more than 70 years, Macy’s Flower Show has delighted generations of floral aficionados with over-the-top presentations of lavish gardens that showcase millions of live flowers, plants, and trees from around the globe. Native to many different landscapes, Macy’s Flower Show offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy these florals blooming in unison and taking root in unexpected settings, such as store countertops, windows, and specially-designed architecture, including grand bridges, columns, and topiaries. Macy’s floral spectacular is made possible nationally in part thanks to Sinclair.

2020 Kids and Kites Festival - FREE Admission - Sat., May 2 at Montrose Harbor (Chicago, IL. )

 

 

LET’S GO FLY A KITE AT CHICAGO KIDS AND KITES FESTIVAL

The 22^nd annual festival on May 2 in Lincoln Park/Montrose Harbor will provide free build and decorate kite kits and activities for the entire family

A favorite family event and a harbinger of springtime in Chicago, the 22^nd Annual Chicago Kids and Kites Festival returns to Cricket Hill at Montrose Harbor (Montrose and Wilson) on Saturday, May 2, from 10am to 4pm. Admission is FREE.

The City of Chicago will provide free kite kits, while supplies last, for children to get creative as they build, decorate and fly their own kites.

Highlights include Team Sky-FX, professional kite flyers displaying their synchronized kite flying maneuvers throughout the day. Festival goers can also enjoy music from WeJam Academy youth DJs and activities such as face painting from Indige Face, balloon artists, arts and crafts from Plaster of Paradise, food trucks and much more. Chicago Kite will also be onsite for kite buyers.

The 22^nd Annual Chicago Kids and Kites Festival is presented by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and sponsored in part by The Boeing Company, the Chicago Tribune and 97.9FM K-LOVE and 94.3FM Air1 Radio.  For more information, visit chicagokidsandkites.us and join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@ChicagoDCASE).

Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is dedicated to enriching Chicago’s artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy. This includes fostering the development of Chicago’s non-profit arts sector, independent working artists and for-profit arts businesses; providing a framework to guide the City’s future cultural and economic growth, via the 2012 Chicago Cultural Plan; marketing the City’s cultural assets to a worldwide audience; and presenting high-quality, free and affordable cultural programs for residents and visitors. For more information, visit cityofchicago.org/dcase.

Hotel EMC2 Encourages Future Inventors with Themed STEM Activity Kits Delivered by Robot Concierges This March (Chicago, IL.)

 

The Top Destination in Chicago for Art and Science Lovers is Honoring Beloved Inventors This March by Paving the Way for New Ones with Themed STEM Kits Available for In-Room Delivery Courtesy of Leo and Cleo, the Property’s Beloved Robot Concierges.   Perfect for future Einstein’s, Edison’s and da Vinci’s alike, Hotel EMC2, located in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood at 228 E. Ontario, has dubbed March “Inventor’s Month” and will be celebrating with the rollout of a special amenity for kids -- a menu of themed STEM kits – available for in-room delivery by the ultimate inventions themselves, the hotel’s resident robot concierges. Sparking creativity and every turn, the hotel will offer guest’s choice between four kits, each themed around a popular children’s book. They will include both a copy of the story and a paired “build your own” activity to bring the magic to life. Guests may mention the kits upon arrival to arrange delivery of this special offering. Fit for kids of all ages and interests, the STEM kits will include items found in every inventor’s toolkit such as construction paper, tape, rubber bands, markers, cups, LEGOS, nuts and bolts, measuring tape, straws, toothpicks and sponges. Inventors will have the choice between the following themed kits: “Giraffes Can’t Dance” build your own musical instrument “Dragons Love Tacos” build a taco or your favorite food with LEGOS “Rosie Revere, Engineer” build your own unique contraption “Iggy Peck, Architect” build your own fantasy structure In addition to this unique offering, the art and science inspired boutique hotel boasts 195 guestrooms and invokes curiosity at every turn with thoughtful, unique amenities in-room perfect for sparking imagination throughout the stay including an acoustic amplifier, Amazon Alexa in every room with customized cues, digital ever-changing art in guestroom hallways and a library of 12,000 science novels available for perusing lining the walls of the property’s on-site restaurant, The Albert, to name but a few. The STEM kit amenity will be available for guests to enjoy with their stay through March 31, 2020. To book a visit, please visit their website or call 884-205-3939. For more information about Hotel EMC2, please visit www.hotelemc2.com or follow @HotelEMC2 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For more information about Autograph Collection Hotels, please visit: www.autographhotels.com.                                                                            ### About Hotel EMC2  Owned by ECD Company and managed by SMASHotels, Hotel EMC2 is centrally located at 228 E Ontario, Chicago, Illinois. Situated in the heart of Chicago’s famed Magnificent Mile Shopping District within the vibrant Streeterville neighborhood, Hotel EMC2 provides guests with the opportunity to explore Chicago through a variety of outlets including shopping, dining, and attractions. Listed as one of the “Top 25 Best Hotels in Chicago” by Conde Nast Traveler and one of the “12 Best Designed Hotels Opening This Year” by Architectural Digest, Hotel EMC2 holds 195 beautifully designed rooms, over 4,800 square feet of flexible meeting space, and a contemporary restaurant, the Albert. For more information about Hotel EMC2, visit www.hotelemc2.com . About the Albert the Albert (a nod to the extraordinary scientist), located in Hotel EMC2 at 228 E Ontario, is a contemporary restaurant with seasonal, globally inspired dishes. The innovative menus, created by Executive Chef Larry Feldmeier, focuses on a classic, yet bold approach to create rich and flavorful dishes. The comprehensive beverage program at the Albert, curated by General Manager Aislyn Plath, features an array of fresh, ingredient-focused cocktails, mocktails or “Drivers", along with wine and beer offerings. Lauded as one of “The World’s Best Looking Library Bars” by Architectural Digest and “Chicago’s Best Hotel Restaurants to Visit Now” by Tasting Table, the Albert provides a unique dining experience with over 12,000 carefully selected science novels lining the walls of the airy, double-height space. In addition, the restaurant offers an intimate 20-seat open kitchen where guests are invited behind-the-scenes to witness a culinary canvas, firsthand, while marveling in the commissioned artwork from West Coast surrealist painter, Paul Bond, and local Chicago artist, Jonathan Plotkin. For more information or to book a reservation, please visit www.thealbertchicago.com or call 312-471-3883.

MacArthur Award-Winning Orchestra Chicago Sinfonietta Announces the Appointment of Project Inclusion Manager

MACARTHUR AWARD-WINNING ORCHESTRA – CHICAGO SINFONIETTA – ANNOUNCES THE APPOINTMENT OF PROJECT INCLUSION MANAGER  Former Project Inclusion Fellow takes on Project Inclusion Manager role to further develop diverse and emerging musicians, conductors and administrators on and off-stage

 In the midst of its 32^nd year and the 2019-2020 season, Chicago Sinfonietta team announced the appointment of Danielle Taylor as Project Inclusion Manager. Project Inclusion was created in 2007 to address the dearth of diverse musicians and conductors on the stages of American orchestras. Project Inclusion has become the industry-leading diversity, equity, and inclusion program in the classical music field.

Danielle Taylor replaces Hilary Mercer who held the position for three years. With a diverse background and multifaceted music career, Taylor will be responsible for managing both the Project Inclusion Freeman Orchestra and Freeman Conducting Fellows in various capacities. As Project Inclusion Manager, she will streamline the creation and facilitation of various professional development, manage opportunities for community engagement, and build a support network for past and current participants.

“We are excited for Danielle to take on this new role,” said Jim Hirsch, Chief Executive Officer of Chicago Sinfonietta. “With her impressive experience in the world of performing arts and her knowledge of the barriers diverse musicians, conductors, and arts administrators face, I am confident she will excel in managing this signature program that in many ways defines Chicago Sinfonietta as an organization.”

A former Project Inclusion Fellow in viola, Taylor takes on the role as Chicago Sinfonietta’s Project Inclusion Manager, with more than 3 years of experience with the orchestra. She previously worked as a Music Coach and Private Teacher at Niles West High School; Violin Teacher at the Midwest Young Artists Conservatory for the young music scholars program; and a Music Teacher at Oakland Unified School District. Taylor earned her undergraduate bachelor’s degrees in African American Studies and Violin Performance from Oberlin College and Conservatory and recently received a Master of Music degree in Violin Performance from Northwestern University. She serves as Artistic Director and violist of D-Composed, a chamber music experience that celebrates and promotes musicians and composers of African diaspora. Taylor also currently writes the repertoire notes found in Chicago Sinfonietta’s program books for each concert, introducing the audience to new artists and pieces.

Since its inception, diversity, inclusion and bold and dynamic programming have been at the center of Chicago Sinfonietta’s mission. In 2016, Chicago Sinfonietta was one of just 14 organizations in the nation to receive the MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions – the “genius award” for nonprofit organizations. The Sinfonietta was also selected in 2016 by the Chicago Innovation Awards in recognition of its innovative approach to programming.  Prior to that, Chicago Sinfonietta was named by ASCAP as the recipient of the 2011-12 Award for Adventurous Programming and in 2013 was dubbed, “the city’s hippest orchestra” by the Chicago Tribune, always embracing the daring programming that has been part of its history.

For more information about Chicago Sinfonietta, please visit www.chicagosinfonietta.org.

 

About the Sinfonietta

Now in its 32^nd year, Chicago Sinfonietta has pushed artistic boundaries to provide an alternative way of hearing, seeing and thinking about a symphony orchestra and is dedicated to promoting diversity, inclusion, racial and cultural equity in the arts. Each concert experience blends inventive new works with classical masterworks, each from a diverse array of voices, to entertain, transform and inspire. In 2016, Chicago Sinfonietta was the proud recipient of John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation’s prestigious MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions (MACEI). This award recognizes exceptional organizations that are key contributors in their fields.

The orchestra was founded by Maestro Paul Freeman to address disconnect between the utter lack of diversity in orchestras and the vibrant, nuanced, communities for which they play. For more than 30 years, Chicago Sinfonietta has made it their mission to represent the city of Chicago, reflecting that vibrancy on stage and in their programming, making classical music accessible for anyone. In everything they do, Chicago Sinfonietta are inspired by founder Paul Freeman (1936-2015). The orchestra’s 32 years have been highlighted by six European tours, two Kennedy Center performances, two Millennium Park concerts attended by over 19,000 people and 16 recordings, including Project W, which was released in March 2019.